{"id":7806,"date":"2025-08-24T18:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-24T18:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7806"},"modified":"2025-08-24T18:30:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-24T18:30:00","slug":"gerofit-helps-veterans-reach-their-goals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7806","title":{"rendered":"Gerofit helps Veterans reach their goals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2025-08-24T18:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

When Army Veteran Emiko Lanier, 71, joined VA\u2019s Gerofit <\/a>program, she faced serious challenges\u2014persistent back and leg pain, fatigue and declining mobility. At the same time, fellow Army Veteran Wally Dombrowski, a licensed 100-Ton Master, had concerns of his own: weakness in his legs, balance issues and a dip in confidence about aging well.<\/p>\n

Their solution? Gerofit.<\/p>\n

Offered at no cost to Veterans aged 65 and older who are enrolled in VA care, Gerofit is a structured exercise program that helps older Veterans improve strength, mobility and overall wellness. Whether it\u2019s returning to daily routines, reducing chronic pain or powering through a cross-country adventure, Gerofit is helping Veterans meet life where they are\u2014and keep moving forward.<\/p>\n

Going the distance with Gerofit<\/h2>\n

Dombrowski, who first discovered Gerofit at Ann Arbor VA<\/a>, chose the virtual program to support an ambitious goal: a cross-country RV trip with his wife Kris. From Arizona deserts to the California coast, he never missed a workout. He logged into Gerofit sessions from scenic parks and rest stops\u2014even when his RV broke down in Texas. Gerofit helped him stay strong enough to support Kris in her 60-mile Susan G. Komen walks and bike 18 miles to the San Diego waterfront.<\/p>\n

\n
<\/a>
A person in a red shirt waves while standing between two sword-wielding statues of soldiers on pedestals. The scene is set in a sunny park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cDoing Gerofit every day gives me more energy and physical ability to meet life\u2019s demands,\u201d said Dombrowski. \u201cAll the things that were easy when we were kids are still possible!\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, in Atlanta, Lanier found her stride by sticking with Gerofit\u2019s in-person classes. Her progress has been nothing short of inspiring. In a recent assessment, she scored in the top 80th percentile for her age group in the two-minute step test and top 95th percentile in the sit-to-stand test\u2014both signs of increased strength and endurance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I first started, some days I was too tired or weak,\u201d she said. \u201cBut now, I know how to listen to my body and keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gerofit empowers Veterans to set personal goals, monitor their progress and make informed decisions about their physical well-being. Whether recovering from injury, coping with age-related changes, or pursuing adventures later in life, Veterans like Lanier and Dombrowski are showing what\u2019s possible when care, confidence and consistency come together.<\/p>\n

Veterans interested in Gerofit can ask their VA provider for a referral or consult the Gerofit exercise physiologist at their VA medical center<\/a>. In-person and virtual options are available across the country.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s never too late to take charge of your health. Learn how to get started with the care you\u2019ve earned by visiting\u00a0VA.gov\/health.<\/p>\n

\n

This article has been compiled and edited for style and clarity from two pieces originally published in the GRECC Forum on Aging newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs<\/a>. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

VA\u2019s Gerofit program supports fitness, independence and adventure for older Veterans<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":151,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7806","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-u-s-veterans-news"],"yoast_head":"\nGerofit helps Veterans reach their goals - Its Veterans<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"VA\u2019s Gerofit program supports fitness, independence and adventure for older Veterans\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7806\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Gerofit helps Veterans reach their goals - 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